A degree will get your foot in the door. Your soft skills will open it.

Category: High School

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. -Oprah Winfrey

As we ring in 2014 later this evening, let’s celebrate the fact that with the New Year dawning we'll have another opportunity “to get it right,” as Oprah says.

Everyone has his or her personal New Year’s Resolutions, but in addition to those time-honored pledges, students, new grads and young professionals have specific goals to accomplish. So, here are seven winning resolutions to help you hone such critical leadership skills as social and business etiquette, emotional intelligence and personal branding:

Nick: You got us a job at Google?Billy: Well, not a job job. It’s an interview for an internship that could lead to a job. Nick, this might be the last chance that we’ve got.~The Internship

While internships are not always the last chance (in fact, they really should be the first chance), they are a vital part of a student's college career. So, if you're a high schooler who is preparing for other aspects of college, make sure to keep internships high on the list as well.

“Being kind is one of the hardest thing (sic) to be in high school because you're so terrified of being cut down yourself that you're always on your guard.But don't be like that. Be kind and you will be truly different.A standout. Unique and happy.”~ Wendy Wunder, author of The Probability of Miracles

I’m not sure I agree that being kind is the hardest thing to do, but I know it’s one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and for others. Kindness, respect and consideration for others not only are the cornerstones of good manners but they are the elements of social success by making us attractive and pleasant to be around. No matter what challenges one’s high school years present they can be overcome, or at least mitigated, by practicing kindness and focusing on others. And, doing so can prepare you for college and beyond.